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You could wear one as a front pack and park at the nearest parking lot.

“Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story

In the pic it has two sleeping bags in it. no ccf pad, which will give the entire assembly some rigidity.

I tried to take a side picture in a mirror, but it came out poorly. It shows that the pack falls away from my back, which leads to the next question:

About the top straps. Where should they attach?

I'm leaning toward connecting at the very top on the flap. As I understand it, these straps are intended to pull the pack against your back. The weight is then supported by the hip belt. If that's the case, higher is better. Do I have this right??

ahh now I understand the question from Sgt Rock's forum - yes connect the two strap as high as possible on the back flap and as high as possible on the shoulder harness - top of the shoulder when wearing the harness. Moonbow puts the adjustment buckle at the top of the shoulder for easy access while wearing the pack.

with 10 miles behind and 2000 miles ahead, the buy decision would be easy to make.

It's kind of like hand tools. A professional mechanic needs high priced snap on quality level tools. A home mechanic can use harbor freight quality level.

Imagine being in North Maine with a disintegrating pack!!

Now there's a nightmare.

Tom

Or imagine how cool it is to sew your own stuff correctly, with appropriate materials, and use that pack for 2000 miles!

The Gearskin is an awesome pack, and I'd recommend it to anyone. I'd also recommend sewing your own gear if you have the time and inclination.

I've sewn 2 gearskins so far. The first (my own) took about 10-12 hours and came out OK. The second (for the ladyfriend) took 8 hours and came out much better. I may revamp a few things on mine from what I've learned, but it's good to go as is if I wanted to leave on a thru-hike tomorrow.